Nobody knows Oxnard better than the people who live and work here. They know what normal activity is, and what may be criminal activity. They know the difference between kids getting together in a park, and what appears to be gang or drug activity. Many times, they don’t call the police department to report the things they have seen or heard. There are many good reasons for this. Quite often it is because they don’t believe what they have seen or heard is important enough to call and ask for an officer to respond. The Oxnard Police Department wants to hear from our community about things which they regard as suspicious and possibly criminal.

There has been a need for another way for the people of Oxnard to tell us about things which concern them besides calling our Communication Center. We want the community and its police department to work together effectively and efficiently to keep Oxnard as safe and crime free as possible.

With that need, and goal in mind, the Oxnard Police Department recently added a feature to our website www.oxnardpd.org. The added feature is labeled “Report Suspicious Activity” and is located near the top right corner of the website’s homepage. Submitting a Suspicious Activity Report is a simple and private way to share information with the Department. People can do so anonymously, or they can provide their contact information. In every case the Suspicious Activity Report is private. There is no public indication of one having been submitted. We are committed to reviewing each Suspicious Activity Report within 24 hours of it being submitted. Once the information in a Suspicious Activity Report is reviewed, it will be shared with Officers, Detectives, and/or other law enforcement agencies for an appropriate response. Examples of what should be reported via the Suspicious Activity Report.

Criminal activity: Crimes you know or believe have been committed, possible continuous criminal activity such as drug dealing and gang activity, and people that are wanted by law enforcement.

Planning and/or Preparation to carry out an attack: Someone is doing and/or saying things which cause you to suspect they may be preparing to carry out a terrorist attack, school shooting, or similar crime.

The SAR feature is not intended to report an emergency or a crime in progress. It should also not be used to report people exercising their Constitutional First Amendment Rights such as freedom of speech or religion. If the reported activity is not in Oxnard, we will ensure that the information is forwarded to the appropriate Agency or Department.

Videos, photos, and other files can be uploaded to accompany a description of the event. The report can be made from a computer or mobile device. As previously noted, submitting a Suspicious Activity Report is private, and it cannot be seen by the public. It can only be seen by the Police. The reporting party has the option to provide personal contact information or remain completely anonymous. Please visit www.oxnardpd.org for more information and to view the Suspicious Activity Report feature. We welcome feedback on it.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:

December 18, 2018 2:15 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

December 17, 2018; 9:15 PM

LOCATION:

3400 Camino Ave, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Brandon Beechum, 32 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

(805) 256-5121

DETAILS:

On December 17, 2018, at approximately 9:15 PM, an Oxnard Police Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a suspicious vehicle in the 3400 blk of Camino Ave. During the investigation, the officer learned that the vehicle had license plates that did not belong on the vehicle. During an inquiry of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the officer learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Oxnard on December 9, 2018. The driver, Brandon Beechum, was arrested for unlawful taking of a vehicle, a felony, and possession of Methamphetamine, a misdemeanor.

Since September 2018, Beechum has been arrested on four separate occasions for unlawful taking of a vehicle in Ventura County. Beechum is currently out on felony bail for first degree residential burglary.
Our city is currently experiencing a significant increase in stolen vehicles. To combat the problem, the Police Department is prioritizing taking a proactive comprehensive approach in the prevention, enforcement, and investigation of stolen vehicles.

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.

Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”

Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/17/18; 11:40PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

December 17, 2018; 12:31AM

LOCATION:

Colonia Road and Harrison Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Gustavo Meza, 30 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale.Mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On December 17, 2018, at approximately 12:31 AM, Oxnard Police Officers located a stolen vehicle in the area of A Street and Roderick Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of Colonia Road and Harrison as the driver, Gustavo Meza, fled from the vehicle. Meza was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit and struggle. Meza was arrested for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and for a misdemeanor warrant.
Our city is currently experiencing a significant increase in stolen vehicles. To combat the problem, the Police Department is prioritizing taking a proactive comprehensive approach in the prevention, enforcement, and investigation of stolen vehicles.

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.

Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”

Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.

On December 13, 2018 at approximately 4:22 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service regarding gunshots in the 300 block of Magnolia Avenue. When officers arrived, they located an injured male subject with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim later succumbed to his injuries. This is the City of Oxnard’s 14th homicide of the year.

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Detectives are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Robert Valenzuela (805 ) 385-7645. You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

In the spirit of Informing, Educating and Empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department (OPD) would like to remind the residents of Oxnard of a continuing crime trend citywide. The Oxnard Police Department has had over 750 vehicles reported stolen over the past year (overwhelmingly 1990’s Honda sedans) which is a 9.2 % increase from 2017.

This is not a new or isolated trend. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), nationwide, the top two vehicles listed on the “Vehicles Most Likely to be Stolen” graphic are Honda Accords and Civics.

The Oxnard Police Department is still diligently working to solve the issue. Among OPD’s efforts to lower the instances of vehicle theft are:

Informational campaign to educate would-be victims on how to prevent vehicle theft;

Educational Public Safety Videos;

A #NotThisCar Campaign that sees detectives locating owners of 1990’s Hondas and providing them with steering wheel locks; and

An enforcement campaign to target known car thieves and put them on notice that OPD is watching!

Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Next time you walk away from your idling vehicle, in your driveway or on the street, turn around and turn it off. If you see your neighbor running inside with their doors open or unlocked, keep an eye out or let them know. If you see a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! Let’s let criminals know #NotThisCarOxnard!

The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.” Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the ‘90s Honda sedans. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

On 12/11/18, at approximately 1:05 p.m., officers located a stolen Kia Sedona van in the 400 block of east Pleasant Valley Road. The driver, Jairo Perez, 32 years old, was contacted and arrested for vehicle theft and receiving stolen property. Perez’s criminal history shows that he has been previously arrested for numerous narcotics violations and thefts.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind citizens to park and lock their vehicles in well-lit areas and to use anti-theft devices to help secure their vehicles.

Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles are being asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

Residents are encouraged to be “Partners in Public Safety” and are reminded to report suspicious activity to police. Residents can report anonymously and translators are available 24/7. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are ways to spend time with family and friends ringing in another year, but also a time when people can make poor choices that put themselves and others at risk on the road.

To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the Oxnard Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get impaired drivers off roads.

During the high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 1, the Oxnard Police Department will have more officers on the road conducting saturation patrols looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on December 22, 2018, at an undisclosed location within Oxnard city limits looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

During the 2017 Christmas (Dec. 22-25) and New Year’s (Dec. 30-Jan. 2) holiday periods, 25 people were killed and 643 injured on California roads, according to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).

Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On December 10, 2018, at 2:09 AM, officers attempted to stop a black Chrysler 300 sedan for suspicion of armed robbery. The vehicle failed to yield and the suspects led officers on an 8 minute pursuit before stopping. During the pursuit, a firearm was thrown from the vehicle and recovered by officers. The driver, Anthony Gomez, was arrested for evading police (2800.2 VC) and having unauthorized prescription drugs (4060 B&P). The passenger, Michael Gomez, was arrested for a warrant, possession of dangerous drugs (11377 H&S) and possession of a firearm (25400 PC). Detectives are investigating a possible connection to several armed robberies this same date. The contact person is Detective Vega at ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org / (805) 385-8291.

A series of armed robberies occurred on various residential streets in south Oxnard during the hours of 8:15 PM and 9:00 PM. One or two suspects were involved in the crimes, with one in possession of a large knife. In each incident, the suspects arrived and fled in a black sedan. During two of the robberies, victims sustained minor defensive wounds to the hands.

Incident #1: 8:15 PM, 2000 block of Walden

Incident #2: 8:47 PM, 1000 block of Jason Place

Incident #3: 8:53 PM, 300 block of Clara Street

Investigators are following leads in these cases. If anyone else was a victim or has information to provide, please phone detective Vega at (805) 385-8291 or email ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org

In the United States, approximately 115 people die each day as the result of overdosing from opioids. The addiction to pain relievers such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Roxicodone has caused a dramatic increase in heroin use nationally and in Ventura County. Heroin is cheaper and a more readily available alternative to opioid pills. Heroin is often cut and mixed with fentanyl to increase the potency and profitability of the drug. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and is lethal in very small dosages. A lethal dosage amount could be as little as the size of three grains of salt.

On November 6th and December 2nd, 2018, the Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to calls regarding drug overdose victims in Oxnard. Unfortunately, Emergency Medical Services were unable to revive either of the victims during the separate calls for service. The victims were both males age 30 and 32.

Since January 1, 2018, the City of Oxnard has had 29 fatal drug overdoses. OPD and EMS have also responded to 462 non-fatal drug overdoses and administered Naloxone over 150 times to opioid drug overdose victims during this time period

Ventura County had a total of 165 overdose deaths during 2017, which is up sharply from 116 in 2016; this is an alarming 42% increase. The City of Oxnard has had an increase in both fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses during that same time period.

The City of Oxnard had approximately 35 fatal overdoses and 150 non-fatal overdoses in 2017.

In 2017, Oxnard Emergency Medical Services first responders and the Oxnard Police Department officers administered Naloxone approximately 150 times in lifesaving efforts to combat the fatal overdose/opioid epidemic.

Law enforcement in Ventura County has been collaborating with agencies such as Ventura County Behavioral Health to save lives and combat the opioid epidemic. Oxnard Police Department patrol officers carry and have administered Naloxone to overdose victims.

In addition, VC Behavioral Health provides Naloxone kits for family members or people living with an individual struggling with opiate/opioid addiction. Naloxone kits have saved the lives of numerous individuals since being distributed to family members or friends. The administration of Naloxone restores breathing / respiratory system, which buys vital time until EMS arrives.

If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction or drug dependency please refer to the Ventura County Behavioral Health for a list of resources available.